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Dave Mattson, an engineer with Paradise Ventures of Safety Harbor, Fla., which is developing the property at the intersection of Alabama Highway 77 and U.S. Highway 411, told the commission the plans came from Publix corporate offices.

City officials have not wanted to confirm Publix’s involvement in the development, but the Publix name appeared to be on every page of the plans that were presented to the commission. The plans had been reviewed by city staff.

The commission earlier had approved the site plans for the 14-acre site.

Asked by commission Chairman Wes Ellis when construction might begin, Mattson said Paradise Ventures will try to start in December, but it will depend on the weather.

“We’re going to look real forward to that December date,” Ellis said after the plans were approved.

The plans that were approved by the commission were only for Publix.

Mattson said he was not authorized to make an announcement that Publix will locate at the site and did not know when a formal announcement will be made, but he expects it to be soon.

The Rainbow City Council in August approved an incentives package for the developer, giving a rebate of 50 percent of the city’s 4-cent sales tax of up to $1.65 million for up to five years.

<p>The Rainbow City Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved architectural and construction plans for a Publix at the Shoppes at Rainbow Landing development.</p><p>Dave Mattson, an engineer with Paradise Ventures of Safety Harbor, Fla., which is developing the property at the intersection of Alabama Highway 77 and U.S. Highway 411, told the commission the plans came from Publix corporate offices.</p><p>City officials have not wanted to confirm Publix's involvement in the development, but the Publix name appeared to be on every page of the plans that were presented to the commission. The plans had been reviewed by city staff.</p><p>The commission earlier had approved the site plans for the 14-acre site.</p><p>Asked by commission Chairman Wes Ellis when construction might begin, Mattson said Paradise Ventures will try to start in December, but it will depend on the weather.</p><p>“We're going to look real forward to that December date,” Ellis said after the plans were approved.</p><p>The plans that were approved by the commission were only for Publix.</p><p>Mattson said he was not authorized to make an announcement that Publix will locate at the site and did not know when a formal announcement will be made, but he expects it to be soon.</p><p>The Rainbow City Council in August approved an incentives package for the developer, giving a rebate of 50 percent of the city's 4-cent sales tax of up to $1.65 million for up to five years.</p>